Every so often a band comes around that knocks everybody’s socks off and gets people talking. I’d bet good money that you’re gonna really enjoy them, but I don’t want to take your money. Use it to listen to the PRB. I‘m putting my money on them.

-Jim Lauderdale

At a time when most people feel constantly distracted by technology and barraged by the news, authenticity and straightforward honesty are paramount. There’s something about the music of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys that cuts right through the noise of the world and speaks plainly to the soul. Formed in the Smoky Mountains, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are at once exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect from a tattooed East Tennessee Bluegrass outfit. No strangers to hard work, the boys are as much at home riding in their 1965 GM Tour bus as they are crawling underneath to fix it when it needs maintenance. But they take pride in being ambassadors of their genre, and the group has brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, with stunning results. “I think to a certain extent everyone is just craving music that they can feel, and any music that feels real will reach any audience” says CJ Lewandowski, the groups founder, “We want to put bluegrass right where it’s least expected”.

Lewandowski was working at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Sevierville, TN when the band first formed. The distillery employed musicians to play for visitors seven days a week, and Lewandowski, who primarily plays Mandolin and sings, was occasionally hired to fill in when the entertainment didn’t show. Eventually, the distillery approached him about forming a band for a full time slot, so he reached out to long time music friends Jereme Brown, who plays banjo for the group, and Josh Rinkel, who plays guitar. “Jereme was doing a lot of welding work at that time, and Josh was running a sign company”, says Lewandowski, “I think we were all ready to do something new, something with our music but we didn’t know when or how”. Bassist Jasper Lorentzen happened to be working in the tasting room at the distillery, and he turned out to be the perfect final addition to the band. The four friends played multiple times a week for a year and half, honing their band sound, meanwhile word was spreading about their music. “The first gig we played out of town was a festival in Alberta, Canada, and a week later we went on a two week tour of Europe, it was crazy”, says Lewandowski.

Material for the group’s debut album “Back To The Mountains”, was a combination of original songs and old numbers that honor the group’s mentors and bluegrass heroes. “We love to dig up old songs that haven’t been heard in years and bring them back into the spotlight”, explains Lewandowski. It’s no surprise, then, that their latest single “Next Train South”, is a song cut by one of Lewandowski’s teachers from his native Missouri. “This song hasn’t been recorded since 1974, when it was recorded by Dub Crouch, Norman Ford and the Bluegrass Rounders.” he says. “Dub was a guy that I learned from back in the day. He was a close friend, and I was with him the day before he died. He was a popular guy for his region, but his music was not as well known on the national circuit. That’s why we love to sing these songs, because when we take these songs and bring them to a larger audience, our heroes and their music will not be forgotten”.

The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys passion for bluegrass is as clear as it is contagious. With a heavy touring schedule across the United States and Europe and recently signed record deal with the esteemed Rounder Records, the Boys are well on their way to becoming the quintessential bluegrass band of their generation. Despite all of their recent success, they maintain a humble perspective. “Bluegrass has left such a mark on us that we feel like we owe something back to the music”, says Lewandowski. “We want to do something for the music to show our appreciation… There’s no telling what could have happened to us, what we would have become if we hadn’t found this music. It’s gotten us through a lot, the good and the bad. When I think about all of the damn medications that I didn’t have to take because I had music to turn to. We didn’t have to go to the doctor and pay for something to make us feel better, because we had this music, so we really want to honor it by bringing it out of the shadows and onto new stages and wider audiences. Because we know that if we can bring Bluegrass to new folks, those folks will come with us and support the bluegrass community.”

“Loved having the guys in studio… great live performance…they’re the real deal” !

- Charlie Mattos producer/cohost Coffee, Country & Cody

Stream or Download our single “Next Train South"

"The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys’ first release on Rounder Records, “Next Train South,” is what bluegrass dreams are made of, and the up-and-coming act shows off their instrumental chops by taking on a classic. Heavy on the strings, the song is about a man fleeing a relationship that’s taken a turn for the worse after his partner turns to finding comfort in the arms of another man. “Next Train South” was first recorded in 1974 by Dub Crouch, Norman Ford and the Bluegrass Rounders." - Carena Liptak, The Boot

With 6 nominations, instead of the usual 5, for the IBMA Emerging Artist of The Year award, the pressure was intense on the 2018 award. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys were considered the underdog in the category, but managed to take home the Emerging Artist of The Year Award from The International Bluegrass Music Association for 2018. This is an outstanding benchmark for the band and they do not take this accolade lightly.

“To be acknowledged by the Bluegrass Music community for our work and music is very satisfying and heart warming. We live Bluegrass music, and we love Bluegrass music. This award is not just a feather in our cap, but a stepping stone for what we like to call ‘Real Bluegrass.’ Our fans and friends are deserving of this award as much as we do. We couldn’t have done it without them these past four years.”- CJ Lewandowski

On the Charts

Next Train south hits #2

Our first single from Rounder Records, "Next Train South", is currently at #2 on both the weekly and monthly Bluegrass Today charts!

At a time when most people feel constantly distracted by technology and barraged by the news, authenticity and straightforward honesty are paramount. There's something about the music of The Po' Ramblin' Boys that cuts right through the noise of the world and speaks plainly to the soul. Formed in the Smoky Mountains, The Po' Ramblin' Boys are at once exactly what you would expect and not at all what you would expect from a tattooed East Tennessee Bluegrass outfit. No strangers to hard work, the boys are as much at home riding in their 1965 GM Tour bus as they are crawling underneath to fix it when it needs maintenance. But they take pride in being ambassadors of their genre, and the group has brought their music from rural bluegrass festival stages to the rock clubs of Europe, with stunning results. "I think to a certain extent everyone is just craving music that they can feel, and any music that feels real will reach any audience" says CJ Lewandowski, the groups founder, "We want to put bluegrass right where it's least expected".

Lewandowski was working at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Sevierville, TN when the band first formed. The distillery employed musicians to play for visitors seven days a week, and Lewandowski, who primarily plays Mandolin and sings, was occasionally hired to fill in when the entertainment didn't show. Eventually, the distillery approached him about forming a band for a full time slot, so he reached out to long time music friends Jereme Brown, who plays banjo for the group, and Josh Rinkel, who plays guitar. "Jereme was doing a lot of welding work at that time, and Josh was running a sign company", says Lewandowski, "I think we were all ready to do something new, something with our music but we didn't know when or how". Bassist Jasper Lorentzen happened to be working in the tasting room at the distillery, and he turned out to be the perfect final addition to the band. The four friends played multiple times a week for a year and half, honing their band sound, meanwhile word was spreading about their music. "The first gig we played out of town was a festival in Alberta, Canada, and a week later we went on a two week tour of Europe, it was crazy", says Lewandowski.

Material for the group's debut album "Back To The Mountains", was a combination of original songs and old numbers that honor the group's mentors and bluegrass heroes. "We love to dig up old songs that haven't been heard in years and bring them back into the spotlight", explains Lewandowski. It's no surprise, then, that their latest single "Next Train South", is a song cut by one of Lewandowski's teachers from his native Missouri. "This song hasn't been recorded since 1974, when it was recorded by Dub Crouch, Norman Ford and the Bluegrass Rounders." he says. "Dub was a guy that I learned from back in the day. He was a close friend, and I was with him the day before he died. He was a popular guy for his region, but his music was not as well known on the national circuit. That's why we love to sing these songs, because when we take these songs and bring them to a larger audience, our heroes and their music will not be forgotten".

The Po' Ramblin' Boys passion for bluegrass is as clear as it is contagious. With a heavy touring schedule across the United States and Europe and recently signed record deal with the esteemed Rounder Records, the Boys are well on their way to becoming the quintessential bluegrass band of their generation. Despite all of their recent success, they maintain a humble perspective. "Bluegrass has left such a mark on us that we feel like we owe something back to the music", says Lewandowski. "We want to do somethingfor the music to show our appreciation... There's no telling what could have happened to us, what we would have become if we hadn't found this music. It's gotten us through a lot, the good and the bad. When I think about all of the damn medications that I didn't have to take because I had music to turn to. We didn't have to go to the doctor and pay for something to make us feel better, because we had this music, so we really want to honor it by bringing it out of the shadows and onto new stages and wider audiences. Because we know that if we can bring Bluegrass to new folks, those folks will come with us and support the bluegrass community

Album

From Mandolinist/Vocalist, CJ Lewandowski:

“’Next Train South’ is on Dub Crouch, Norman Ford & The Bluegrass Rounders’ 1974 album titled Next Train South. I grew up with Dub being an ‘Elder Statesman’ in the Missouri Bluegrass community, same for Norman Ford. He was known for his high clean tenor with cutting edge. This music was super hard to find, so some friends made a copy of Next Train South for me. I since have every copy of Dub and Norman's music and own several of the masters.”

“Their intense love for REAL bluegrass led them to make some of the best unknown albums of Bluegrass history. They played for the love of the music, not the fame. That's exactly what The Po' Ramblin' Boys do, as well. It's the perfect Real Bluegrass song. It's an older song, but has been a buried gem. We brought it out, shined it up, and made it new again. I love how it's ‘our’ song, but it's still Dub and Norman's. The hard driving melody with heavy banjo influence and the unique chorus are just what we want. The high harmonies and the subject matter is classic, but a refreshing version. That's what we want. Echo the past, honor the father's, but bring it to new audiences with our own touch. Represent our music the best way we can and bring the real stuff to the table. This song is perfect for that.”